Chapter 53

Back then, Song Shishi would sleep when she was tired, and Meng Xunzhou would hand her water when she was thirsty.

At mealtimes, Meng Xunzhou would also hand her the prepared buns and dry food early.

She didn’t have to worry about anything.

Now, with this comparison, she felt even more grateful to Meng Xunzhou.

She didn’t know if Meng Xunzhou was particularly busy in the army. She had asked him in her last letter if she could bring anything for his parents, but he didn’t mention it in his reply.

Forget it, she didn’t want to think about it.

She could just visit them when she had time.

After all, Uncle Meng and Auntie Meng had always been very kind to her.

When they arrived at the restaurant, the train attendant started shouting, “Food, food, food!”

Director Zhao offered to buy her a meal box several times, but she refused.

After getting to know Director Zhao for so long, she had a general understanding of his family situation.

Director Zhao handed all his monthly salary to his wife, so he didn’t actually have much money on him.

In this situation, Song Shishi naturally felt embarrassed to take advantage of Director Zhao.

She even shared some of her dry food with Director Zhao.

Song Shishi leaned against her luggage and dozed for a while, but she didn’t dare to fall asleep.

Last time, she fell asleep on the train going to the countryside because Meng Xunzhou was by her side, and no one would dare to steal her things.

But this time, it was just her and Director Zhao, so she had to be more careful.

After the train arrived at the station, Director Zhao got on the car that came to pick him up and left.

Song Shishi didn’t call home. Instead, she took a bus, went to buy some pastries and wine, and then went home.

“Knock, knock, knock…”

Not long after the knock, Zheng Peilan’s voice came from inside, “Who is it?”

Song Shishi held back her laughter and knocked again.

Zheng Peilan opened the door. The first thing she saw was the pastries and wine held up in front of her.

“Who is it? So mischievous? Did you get the wrong door?” Zheng Peilan said with a smile, reaching out to pull the things down.

When Song Shishi’s playful face appeared in front of Zheng Peilan, her pupils widened, and tears instantly welled up in her eyes.

Zheng Peilan went up to her and hugged her, while still complaining, “Good girl, why did you come back? Why didn’t you tell us you were coming back beforehand so that Lao Fang could pick you up?”

“I just didn’t want to tell you so I could give you a surprise.”

Song Shishi straightened up, came out of Zheng Peilan’s embrace, and carried the things to the living room.

Zheng Peilan followed behind, complaining, “You’re back, but why did you buy so many things? Save your money to spend on yourself. We don’t need you to spend money on these things.”

“Mom, this is the first time I’ve earned money and bought gifts for you. Don’t you like it?” She put down the things and said coquettishly.

Zheng Peilan looked her up and down with an expression of disbelief, “You bought this? Mom likes anything you buy. But aren’t you in the countryside? Where did you earn the money?”

Then, Zheng Peilan shook her head, “No, no, I remember they earn work points in the village. I haven’t heard of anyone getting paid directly. Are you tricking me?”

Song Shishi pulled Zheng Peilan to sit on the sofa, hung on her like a sloth, and pretended to be aggrieved, “Mom, you’re breaking my heart. Didn’t I say in my last letter that I’ve found a translation job in town, and the salary is pretty good?”

“I came back this time because there’s a business trip in Beijing. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to come back.”

Zheng Peilan smiled awkwardly, “I thought you were just writing to comfort me. You did that a lot when you were a child.”

Seeing Song Shishi pouting, Zheng Peilan patted her arm and said with relief, “No matter what, I’m happy that you’re back. By the way, how long are you going to stay this time?”

Song Shishi got up to get the gift for Zheng Peilan, “I don’t know how long I’ll stay this time. It depends on the work requirements, but I told the captain beforehand, and he agreed before I came.”

“That’s good. Then I’ll tell your dad to come back early today.” Zheng Peilan moved to the phone and was about to call Song Zhenhua.

Song Shishi quickly stopped her, “I have to go to work in the afternoon. I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”

“You have to go in the afternoon? Translation work requires formal attire. The clothes at home might not be suitable. Should I take you to buy two sets later?”

Zheng Peilan was a worrier. She hadn’t stopped worrying since Song Shishi came back.

But Song Shishi really enjoyed this feeling of being cared for by Zheng Peilan.

Perhaps because she had lost it before, she cherished it even more now.

“Okay, let’s go out after I finish packing.” Song Shishi put away the things that were piled up, then put her luggage back in the bedroom.

At Zheng Peilan’s suggestion, Song Shishi bought two formal dresses in darker colors. The skirts came down to just below her knees. She could wear an army coat over them, which would be just right.

Zheng Peilan took her to a state-owned restaurant for lunch. As they were walking out of the shopping mall, a young man ran towards them and bumped all the packages in their hands to the ground.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.” The man realized his mistake, stopped, and apologized repeatedly.

Zheng Peilan waved her hand, “It’s okay. Since it was unintentional, go about your business.”

Song Shishi squatted down to pick up the scattered clothes and packages. Without looking up, she said coldly, “Be more careful next time.”

The man helped pick up the things and handed them to Song Shishi, “I’m really sorry. I have something urgent, so I’ll go now.”

Zheng Peilan smiled and nodded at him. The man then left.

Looking at the dusty clothes, Song Shishi couldn’t help but mutter, “He’s so careless. This time, he bumped the clothes to the ground. If he bumps into someone next time, he’ll be in trouble.”

“Alright, be kind to others. Besides, he didn’t do it on purpose. He also apologized. Don’t be angry.” Zheng Peilan took the dusty clothes and patted them gently, softly comforting her.

Even after patting them, there were still some marks on the clothes.

Song Shishi had to go for an interview in the afternoon. She couldn’t wear these clothes today.

Seeing that Zheng Peilan was still trying to pat the dust off, Song Shishi took the clothes, folded them, and put them in a bag.

“Mom, stop it. I’ll go buy another dress for the assessment this afternoon. I’ll wash these two when I get back.”

She went back to the store and bought another dress. Then, the mother and daughter went to the state-owned restaurant.

After they finished eating, they just got home when Song Shishi heard the phone ringing.

She put down the things in her hand and ran to answer it.

“Hello.”

“Hello, is this Song Shishi, Song Zhiqing’s home?”

She recognized Director Zhao’s voice.

“Director Zhao, it’s me.”

“Xiao Song, it’s like this. I have something to do and can’t leave. Do you think it’s convenient for you to come here? I’ll give you an address.” Director Zhao was a little embarrassed. In the end, he added, “I’ll pay for your travel expenses.”

Song Shishi smiled, “It’s okay, Director Zhao. Give me the address. I’ll pack up and go.”

“Okay, the address is…”

After hanging up the phone, Song Shishi went back to her room and changed into the dress she had just bought. She also put on the wristwatch that Meng Xunzhou had given her for her birthday last year. She put on an army coat over it, which wouldn’t be too cold.

Uncle Fang drove her to the place. He didn’t leave until he saw Director Zhao come out to meet her.

Director Zhao glanced at the car that had sent Song Shishi. He didn’t ask any questions, but he had his suspicions.

That license plate wasn’t something an ordinary family could have.

“There are a few other young people who will be taking the assessment with you. Don’t be nervous. Just perform normally.” Director Zhao comforted her as he led her upstairs.

Song Shishi smiled and nodded.